Top 7 Unexpected Cultural Sites in Dubai

Bordering Dubai Creek, Al Hamriya is one of the oldest residential sites in the Emirate, and is home to the family-friendly Museum of Illusions. It’s residential neighborhood maintains the modern pastel-colored Arabic 80’s architecture, which recalls Dubai’s oil heyday.

Creekside boasts a rich maritime trading and cultural history, from the historical pearling industry that formed the main sector of the city's economy to its links to the Bani Yas tribe that established the AlMaktoum dynasty after their settlement along the Bur Dubai creek area.

Part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, these flourishing lakes complement their surroundings beautifully. The lakes are artificial but the surrounding area is untouched and pristine despite the picnicking families and birdwatchers who come out here to escape.

With the tall miranet of The Grand Mosque towering over the promenade, Bur Dubai holds the emirate’s cultural heritage and keeps its infrastructure intact. Arab, Iranian, and Indian restaurants and souks for fabrics and copper pots preserve its rich immigration history. 

Al Nasr LeisureLand is a theme park built on a 48 acres site opened in 1979, with intention to create a Family oriented leisure-center for Sports and Entertainment in Dubai. It’s fitness center, restaurants and olympic-sized ice rink are still frequented by families and visitors.

Al Mamzar was known for its public park, and was one of the earliest leisurely public spaces. Historically it was a wealthy neighborhood for a prominent Emirati family. It was a part of Sharjah at first, and then became part of Dubai due to a dispute about their exact borders. 

Al Bastayika is a historic site where stone buildings with high air towers (Barajeel) preserve the traditional architecture of the mid 19th century. The buildings of the district are currently used to incubate a number of varied cultural and artistic activities, like art exhibit, specialized museums, cultural and artistic societies, ateliers and cultural centers.